Xcel Energy requests approval to construct wind farms in New Mexico, Texas
Xcel Energy recently filed proposals with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to construct one new wind farm in each state, while purchasing additional wind power in Texas.
The Sagamore wind facility would be located In Roosevelt County, New Mexico, approximately 20 miles south of Portales and have 552 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity. The $865 million project is expected to enter operation by the end of 2020 if approved.
The Hale wind facility in Texas would be capable of generating 478 MW. The filing also requested
approval of a long-term power purchase agreement for 230 MW supplied by the Bonita wind facility in Texas.
“Our Texas and New Mexico customers expect us to deliver on our pledge to support long-term economic growth in our communities while ensuring reliable and affordable energy,” David Hudson, president of Xcel Energy’s Texas & New Mexico region, said. “The decision to add additional wind generation is purely in the economic interest of our customers. By taking advantage of tax credits before they expire, these projects will allow us to produce wind energy at a cost lower than energy produced at our coal and natural gas-fueled plants, and pass those savings directly to our customers.”
Xcel also requested that the commissions approve allowance of the company to amend the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) to permit construction and inclusion of the projects, and approval of certain ratemaking principles. The company estimated that the three projects would save their customers $2.8 billion over 30 years.
